Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colorado College define "international student?"
CC recognizes that there are many types of international students on our campus. While the traditional definition includes only those without U.S. citizenship, we have many groups of international students on campus. At CC, international students include non-U.S. citizens who attended high school in the U.S., U.S. citizens who attended secondary schools abroad, non-U.S. citizens who have never been to the U.S., dual citizens, and U.S. permanent residents. Our international orientation and student organizations serve all of these populations and address their unique international backgrounds along with their various concerns.

How many international students attend Colorado College?
International students number around 50 of the 1900 member Colorado College student body. The entire international student population (including US citizens abroad, dual citizens and permanent residents) accounts for over 9% of the students at Colorado College.

Colorado College is quite international. Approximately 60% of our students study abroad before graduating. Colorado College is the sole sponsor of programs in France, Germany, Mexico and Russia. It is also the co-sponsor of programs in many other nations including Costa Rica, Italy, India and Japan. Other foreign study options are also available.

Should I apply as a transfer student?
If you have ever been enrolled as a degree candidate at a university anywhere in the world, you must apply to Colorado College with a transfer application. This is true even if you do not anticipate getting any transfer credits from your prior institution accepted at Colorado College. If you have not been enrolled in any higher education institution after high school, you should apply as a first year student. We strongly discourage non-U.S. citizens needing financial aid from applying as transfer students, as there are very limited funds.

Is there a special international student application?
No, Colorado College uses the Common Application, available at app.commonapp.org. The Common Application is an application used by several colleges and universities across the United States. This is a universal form used by all participating colleges. For more information, visit Common Application Online at app.commonapp.org. Colorado College will automatically send Common Application applicants a Common Application Supplement. This form may be downloaded. The college may also request additional information.

Does the "School Report" apply to me?
Yes, but if your school does not have a "college counselor," another school official who knows you and your work well may complete the form. Your school must send your official transcript, including courses in progress, along with your school report.

Do foreign applicants have earlier deadlines?
If you are not applying for financial aid, you may apply by November 15 (Early Action) or January 15 (Regular Action). If you are applying for financial aid, you may not apply for early action. You must apply by January 15. Transfer students applying for financial aid must also apply by January 15 to be considered for the following fall semester. Transfer students applying for the spring semester cannot apply for financial aid. 

What types of aid are offered?
CC offers both need-based grants and merit-based scholarships to international students. A typical need-based package will include both grant funding, which does not need to be paid back, and work-study, typically ten hours per week.

How are need-based aid awards determined?
Need-based awards are determined by the demonstrated family support listed on the International Student Finan-cial Aid Application. CC meets the full demonstrated need of each admitted international student for all four years.

How are merit-based scholarships awarded?
Merit-based scholarships are selected by the strength of the student’s academic work, including school performance, course rigor, standardized test scores, essay quality, and teacher recommendations. There is no separate application for merit-based scholarship consideration.

Is admission need-blind?
CC does consider an applicant’s request for financial assistance when making admission decisions. Due to a limited budget for scholarships, students who need financial assistance will be part of a highly competitive selection process.

Is orientation available?
International student orientation is available to all incoming students prior to the start of our general orientation for new students.

How can I get financial aid?
Tuition, room and board costs for the 2008-2009 school year are approximately $47,800. Additional expenses (books, insurance, supplies) average nearly $2,800. Information on receiving international student financial aid can be found on the international student financial aid information page. If you need financial aid you must complete both the Colorado College application and the International Student Financial Aid application.

Is there an application checklist I can use?
More information is available on our application requirements page.

Who can I contact for information?

Thank you for your interest in Colorado College. Please contact the Admission Office at 1-800-542-7214  (if calling within the United States) or 1-719-389-6344 (if calling from abroad) if you would like additional materials.